Delinquent taxpayers have until March 17 to pay without penalty

Delinquent taxpayers could face additional costs on all real estate and personal property accounts if they are not current by March 17, according to Beaufort County Treasurer Doug Henderson.

“If taxes are not paid before the 17th of March, an additional penalty of 5 percent is levied by the county auditor and collected by the treasurer,” Henderson said. This was mandated by SC 12-45-180.

If taxes remain unpaid, a $75 fee is imposed as of April 1. The money is used to help pay the cost of collecting delinquent taxes. Payments for delinquent accounts must be in the form of guaranteed funds such as a money order or certified check. Personal checks cannot be accepted.

“Given today’s economic climate, I want to make sure citizens know about the additional costs," Henderson said. "Hopefully, a lot of them can avoid it by bringing their taxes current. So many people are struggling and we want taxpayers to keep as much of their own money as possible.”

All properties that are not current by August 31 are subject to their properties being advertised and sold at the annual delinquent tax sale, which is held the first Monday in October.

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